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Page 146
rage and fear that turned him into a berserker when she was threatened all be his duty to "Simon's wife"? Was it possible for duty to spark such violence? Surely the fear had beena little, at leastfor Alinor.
"I have just bethought me," Ian said sharply, "that my one chance of taking the reavers completely by surprise has been ruined by this little excursion you made into the woods. What were you doing abroad at night, Alinor? And with only five men-at-arms?"
The disappointment was like a blow in the face. Alinor had all but forgotten that Ian was likely to ask that question. Driven by her own desire, she had unconsciously prepared herself to hear words of love. Ian's nakedness, the dimly lit chamber, the late hour, the quiet aftermath of the bloody rescue, had all suggested that tender words, even embraces, should follow talk of marriage. Before she could think, Alinor lashed out to avenge the hurt.
"My purpose can be nothing to you," she replied icily. "I am sorry for the disruption of your plans. I am sorry also for my carelessness, but no sign of the outlaws had ever been seen so close to the keep or to the shore. I thought it would be safe. You need give no further thought to the matter. I will not be so caught another time."
"What did you say? I have just killed fourteen men. Will you not deign to tell me why?" Ian responded furiously.
"You said you killed them for the threat to me." Alinor's brows went up disdainfully. "I did not realize that was a polite fiction and you needed a better reason. I am sorry if you do. I have no better to offer you. In fact, I bade you spare the last three."
"Alinor," Ian bellowed, "what were you doing outside the keep with only five men-at-arms when night was drawing on?"
"I was attending to my own business, using half the men you had left me, and I expected to be back in the

 
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